Why You Need A Study System To Improve Your Understanding
Many Students do not have a study system that allows them to study effectively. They simple study whenever they feel motivated or inspired in the moment. This is bad. What students need is to create a sustainable study system to get them to meet their academic targets.
STUDENTS
Don L'Amour Chimhanda
2/16/20246 min read
Creating a study timetable was one of the best academic decisions I ever made. It transformed my approach to learning and significantly improved my grades. I can promise you that doing the same can make a world of difference in your academic life. If you have any questions or need help creating a study timetable, feel free to send me a message on WhatsApp using my contact details below. And don’t forget to look out for my upcoming blog post on effective study techniques.
Wishing you all the best,
Chimhanda Tutoring
Why You Need A Study System To Improve Your Understanding
Picture this: you're taking a relaxing stroll through the forest when you come across a burly lumberjack hacking away at a massive oak tree... with a shovel. How would you feel? If you're anything like me, you'd rush over, smack him on the head (gently, of course), and scream, "Use an axe, you nincompoop!" This is exactly how I feel when I see students studying based on their whims and feelings instead of following a structured study timetable. It's frustrating, to say the least.
What Happens When You Do Not Have A Study System
Students without a study timetable often struggle mightily. They tend to study only when they feel guilty or when panic sets in the night before an exam. The first 15 minutes of these impromptu study sessions are typically spent in a frantic haze, trying to figure out what subject to study and which sections to cover. This chaotic approach usually leads to feelings of overwhelm, and more often than not, they give up and fall into the trap of procrastination. Spoiler alert: this method rarely leads to good results.
Without a study timetable, students are like sailors navigating a stormy sea without a compass. They might think they’re moving forward, but in reality, they’re just going in circles. The lack of structure and direction leads to inefficiency and a lot of wasted time. Instead of making steady progress, they end up playing catch-up, often feeling stressed and demoralized.
Benefits Of Having A Study System
On the flip side, having a study timetable can transform your academic life. Here’s why: When you have a study timetable, you study. Simple as that. A study timetable ensures you engage in the most impactful activity for your grades—studying. Many students without a study timetable think they study enough, but in reality, it's never sufficient. Implementing a study timetable can significantly improve your grades within a few months. Think of it as a magical wand that turns chaotic, guilt-driven study sessions into productive, goal-oriented learning experiences.
A Study System Encourages Consistancy
A study timetable promotes consistency. Without one, students often cram the entire syllabus the night before the test, which, let's be honest, is like trying to cram a watermelon into a teacup. It's just not going to work. A farmer doesn’t slack off all summer and then try to harvest overnight. The same logic applies to studying. With a timetable, you study your subjects consistently, leading to better retention and improved grades. Remember, in the world of studying, consistency always beats intensity.
A Study System Ensures Balance
A study timetable ensures a balanced approach. Students without one tend to do much better in some subjects than others, not because they lack intelligence, but because they spend more time on subjects they like and neglect the others. A study timetable helps allocate time evenly across all subjects, ensuring a balanced performance.
A Study System Increases Your Effeciency And Effectiveness
With a study timetable, you can plan your study sessions in advance. You’ll know exactly what subject you’re going to study and what sections you’re going to cover. This means when you sit down to study, you're focused and efficient, completing more work in less time. Additionally, knowing you have enough time to study all your subjects can provide a sense of calm and reduce anxiety.
How To Create A Study System
A study system is the combination of your timetable and the rules that govern how you study. Creating a study timetable is easy. Grab a sheet of paper or use a digital calendar. Dedicate two subjects to each day of the week, allocate specific study times, and voila! You have your study timetable. Here’s a simple example:
1. Monday:
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Mathematics
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Chemistry
2. Tuesday:
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Statistics
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Physics
3. Wednesday:
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Mathematics
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Chemistry
4. Thursday:
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Statistics
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Physics
5. Friday:
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Mathematics
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Chemistry
6. Saturday:
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Subject that needs the most attention
- 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Subject that needs the most attention
7. Sunday:
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Subject that needs the most attention
- 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Subject that needs the most attention
One of the pushbacks I get from my students is that a mere two hours is not enough. They imagine that to be academically successful, they must study for at least four hours or all night. What they miss is that consistency is better than intensity. Therefore, two hours of study will always yield results as long as they are done consistently.
Equally as important are the rules that govern how you study. Not all studying is studying. For example, studying as you watch "Friends" on Netflix is not studying. Nope, that is wasting time. Flipping pages and running your eyes over words is not studying. Therefore, the rules that you use, determine how effective you are in your studies. Here is a list that I used when I was in high school with the timetable above. Please take note, this list changes when you go into university for various reasons I will not go into during this blog post.
1. Study for one hour per subject: This helps you stay fresh and focused without burning out.
2. Never study for more than two hours per day: Your brain needs time to process information.
3. Study around the same time every day: Consistency helps build a routine.
4. No distractions—phones and laptops should be out of reach: Focus is key to effective studying.
5. Avoid unnecessary breaks: Keep essentials within reach to minimize interruptions.
6. Isolate yourself and avoid talking to anyone during study time: Create a quiet, dedicated study space.
7. NO MUSIC: It’s tempting, but even background music can be a distraction.
8. Avoid studying after 8:00 PM: Your brain needs to wind down.
9. Absolutely no studying after 9:00 PM: Late-night cramming is counterproductive.
10. When it’s time to study, study: No excuses, unless you have a legitimate reason.
Conclusion
